NJ Democratic chair stepping down in election year

TRENTON (AP) — The chairman of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee says he is not seeking re-election to the post this year as his party struggles to gain traction in the race for governor.

John Wisniewski became the chairman in 2010 just as Republican Gov. Chris Christie was taking office.

His term ends June 13.

Traditionally, the party’s candidate for governor picks a new chair during election years. A spokesman for likely nominee Barbara Buono says she will announce her choice before the party elects a leader after the June primary.

Wisniewski, who is also a state assemblyman, took the position after Christie unseated Jon Corzine. Wisniewski has been one of Christie’s most vocal critics and was able to keep control of the Legislature in 2011 despite the governor’s popularity.